Kenya’s private security industry is poised for a significant transformation with the launch of a digital platform that connects security guards directly with clients, eliminating the need for security firms that have long acted as intermediaries. The app, designed to remove inefficiencies in the sector, is anticipated to ensure equitable wages for security personnel while providing clients with greater control over their security requirements.
Security firms have faced criticism for underpaying guards while overcharging clients, creating an inequitable system that this platform seeks to dismantle. Outgoing Director-General of the Private Security Regulatory Authority (PRSA) Fazul Mahamed, who champions this initiative, stated that the app will streamline hiring, reduce administrative costs, and enhance transparency in the industry.
“By the time full-scale implementation is achieved, over 1.3 million guards are expected to be onboard. The platform will implement real-time payment structures to guarantee fair wages while automatically enforcing industry compliance,” Mahamed remarked in an interview with Business Daily. Mahamed further noted that the app has already been developed and will be introduced gradually to ensure compliance with all regulatory standards.
He highlighted that during his tenure at PRSA, the High Court upheld a minimum wage of Sh30,000 for security guards, a decision that aligns with the app’s aim of ensuring fair compensation.
This approach reflects other successful digital disruptions, such as ride-hailing services and short-term rental platforms, where middlemen are removed to enhance efficiency.
By allowing clients to hire security guards directly, costs associated with administrative overheads will be eradicated.
Clients will also enjoy flexibility in selecting guards for different durations, whether for a few hours, days or on a long-term basis without being locked into inflexible contracts. The app also benefits guards by granting them the ability to choose their assignments, set their working hours, and take time off as required.
Unlike traditional firms that dictate schedules, this system provides greater autonomy, which is expected to enhance job satisfaction and productivity. Clients will also have the ability to adjust security coverage based on their needs. For instance, a residential area may require fewer guards on weekends when most residents are home and increase security presence on weekdays. Additionally, the platform features an emergency response function that dispatches security assistance based on proximity rather than company affiliation.
